Grant Thomas insists he doesn’t agree with St Kilda’s dependence on defence.
The former Saints coach was pondering the side’s 2024 shortcomings when making his assessment of Ross Lyon’s coaching philosophy.
Thomas, who coached the Saints to finals between 2004-2006, suggests the current playing list will not flourish when the prerequisite is to sit back and defend.
He recognises that the team achieved greatly last year upon Lyon’s return to Moorabbin, but cannot really see where it goes from here as they languish in 15th position with a 5-10 record.
“I think everyone acknowledges that the list was never going to take us to a premiership, we know that,” Thomas begun on SEN Breakfast.
“Last year Rossy comes in and sets new standards, probably got the most out of the group by playing in a final which was a good performance.
“Everyone expects you to take another step but it just doesn’t always work like that.”
As a result of a disappointing campaign, Thomas feels that change is inevitable at the Saints, most likely from a personnel viewpoint.
“I think players now realise that they’re vulnerable and there’s going to be changes and therefore they’re probably not as committed to the cause. That’s what I’m seeing,” he continued.
“Are we seeing players play for survival rather than as a connected, united team which we all knows becomes a cancer amongst the group, when you start playing for survival.
“I think the word’s out that there’s going to be changes and players have redirected their attention, that’s what I see on the television.
“I think there’s no doubt a drop-off in intensity and effort this year.”
In the eyes of Thomas the Saints have a solid group of youngsters but he wonders if the defensive game plan has stymied their development.
“We’ve got some decent young guys in (Mitch) Owens, (Nasiah) Wanganeen-Milera, (Darcy) Wilson, (Cooper) Sharman, (Mattaes) Phillipou, (Anthony) Caminiti. I don’t know where (Max) King is at. That’s all great, not bad for the future,” Thomas added.
“Then there’s the game plan aspect. I’ve never been a fan of kicking eight goals a game, but what would I know?
“I think it does a couple of things when you have a restricted game plan or too heavy a weighting in defence. Firstly, you don’t get a great assessment of player ability when you restrict their talent and intuitiveness to set up this robotic structure.
“There’s no doubt that chaos footy with a good weighting of defence and offence is clearly the model for success. Too many teams have done too well with it over the last decade.
“Over-defence and keeping the game close is ok on one front, I just fundamentally disagree with it as a driving team principle.
“Rossy’s been doing that for 15 years and he’s very good at it. I just don’t think it’s a great model and won’t deliver premiership fundamentals.
“That’s where I sit with it.”
Thomas was again asked if he’d be interested in getting involved on St Kilda’s Board to help with the direction of the club.
“Absolutely zero, I’ve got no interest whatsoever,” Thomas replied when asked if there was any lure to return in an official capacity.
“I’ll chat with you guys and anyone else everyone now and again, a bit of a bang on Twitter on what I feel with fans who engage, that’s as much as I desire, want or need.
“My time is done and I respect that. I’m quite comfortable and at ease with things where they are.
“I have no interest in getting on a Board or in any other role. Mentorship, if anyone rings me for advice I’ll gladly offer it and help as much as I possibly can.”
The Saints, who narrowly lost to Port Adelaide last weekend, will be intent on bouncing back when they face ladder leaders the Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.